Ellis Island (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)"My father hugged my mother and told her, 'you don't need to be afraid ever again. We're in America now.'"
That was one of the MANY personal narratives included in this FANTASTIC documentary that brought tears to my eyes. The stories of how immigrants reacted when they first came to this country and saw "Lady Liberty" is very well told and will leave you with a new appreciation of the great blessing of being born in this free and prosperous land.
I've watched this four-volume documentary two times and will probably watch it a third time. The stories are all so inspiring and so amazing and so emotional! Prior to viewing this, I did not have an understanding of what price our grandparents and great grandparents paid to get to this country.
I can't recommend this video highly enough. My daughter watched it in school and she loved it, too.
Of all the documentaries I've watched, I'd give this a 5 stars PLUS. I'd say it's one of the best I've ever seen. It will leave you changed. I can't even look at a flag now, without thinking about those precious, faith-filled immigrants and getting a tear in my eye. "Ellis Island" is *that* kind of video.

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ELLIS ISLAND - DVD Movie

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Iron Jawed Angels (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)This 2004 HBO movie depicts the struggles of the early suffragette movement, which eventually gave women in the United States the right to vote. Spanning the years from 1912 to 1920, it stars Hilary Swank as Alice Paul who led the fight with ultimate courage. There's some interesting history of which I was unaware. And the filmmakers seem to get the theme across. At the time, it was a state-by-state decision as to whether or not women could vote. But Alice Paul wanted to make it a constitutional amendment. There is, of course, is in-fighting in the movement itself with the old factions, led by Anjelica Huston, as Carrie Chapman Catt, preferring to not make a fuss and quietly let each state decide. Alice Paul, however, confronted the establishment head on and brought down some dour consequences on herself and the group of women who followed her lead.
At first I was annoyed at the film. I felt their wardrobes too lavish and the potential romance between Alice and a Washington Post cartoonist was silly. I also thought the women seemed a bit too modern and politically correct. And, frankly, I thought of turning off my DVD and never reviewing this film.
But then there was a scene in which the police turned their backs on protecting a festive parade in which women and children were demonstrating. When the mobs attacked the women I felt real tears dripping down my face. And then, later, when the women were horribly mistreated in prison, I found myself crying again, especially when they force-fed Alice Paul and we see them pushing tubes down her throat and through her nose. By the end of the film I understood exactly what these brave women had gone through in order to give me a privilege that I take for granted. I also know that I have learned a new appreciation for my right to vote and will never take that right for granted again.
While not perfect, I applaud this film. It brought me a new understanding. It will bring it to you too. Recommended.

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Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars in a fresh and contemporary look at a pivotal event in American history, telling the true story of how a pair of defiant and brilliant young activists took the women's suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote. DVD Features:Audio Commentary:With Director Katja von Garnier and writer Sally RobinsonFeaturetteOther:HBO Films Spot

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American Experience: The Presidents Collection, Vol. 2 (Theodore Roosevelt/FDR/Franklin Delano Roosevelt) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)The American Experience series is one of the stellar viewing experiences on television. When they focus on the Presidents, the show assumes even more gravity. These two volumes focus on Theodore Roosevelt and FDR, two of the greatest Presidents of the 20th century. The T.R. documentary is particularly strong in his younger years and the photography is gorgeous, especially around Sagamore Hill, his Long Island home. David McCullough's narration is, as always, masterful.
The FDR segment is oustanding. They open with the radio flash of Roosevelt's death and for those of us who were not yet born, it's as if we are magically transported back to April 12, 1945. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin is a joy throughout, as she weaves her commentary and perspective into the fabric of the narration. For all of us who revere Franklin Roosevelt, this is the quintessential documentary on his life and times. The music is buoyant, poignant and memorable - it mirrors Franklin Roosevelt in every way. The two best American Experience Presidential profiles are undoubtedly this one on FDR and their 1990 look at LBJ, also available on Amazon.

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This continuing series looks at two towering members of an American dynasty who shaped the destiny of the country. Teddy Roosevelt profiles a man who typified America's mood at the turn of the last century--confident, exuberant and involving. Now, discover both the heroic and tragic sides of Roosevelt's character--the boundless energy that drove him, and the bleak emotions he tried hard to suppress. Great challenges define a great president, and in FDR, you'll examine Franklin Delano Roosevelt's incredible strengths and his ability to inspire Americans struggling to cope with the Great Depression and entry into World War II. Meet the man whose powerful leadership led to the restoration and hope of a nation.

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Wright Stuff (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This "American Experience" documentary of the Wright Brothers is superb. The assembled band of historians and family members provide matchless insights, and the rare archival footage and evocative musical score help capture this fascinating story in a way that the printed page alone simply cannot do.Even if you're familiar with the Wright Brothers you will go away from this with an even deeper appreciation and affection for these two humble but brilliant men and the era in which they lived. While at all times factual and perceptive, the "Wright Stuff" is full of humanity and subtlety. Garrison Keillor's narration is deft and utterly appropriate, and David McCullough's brief introduction gives the production added weight and impact. Great for Wright Brothers aficionados as well as those wanting to take stock in what these two great Americans achieved not so very long ago.


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Garrison Keillor narrates the all-American story of two Midwestern boys who truly believed they could fly-Orville and Wilbur Wright. While they had produced a working plane by 1903, they didn't publicly reveal their invention until five years later when Wilbur executed a perfect take-off and landing on a racetrack outside Paris. Discover little-known facts about these visionary brothers and their flying machines that changed the world.

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